Butch DillLSU receiver Brandon LaFell scores the winning touchdown against Auburn last year in Auburn.AUBURN -- In the last two decades, the Auburn-LSU series has featured bizarre twists and cruel finishes.

But Auburn's last trip to Baton Rouge might have featured one of the strangest endings of all.

Rather than play conservatively for a game-winning field goal, LSU coach Les Miles took a shot at the end zone with only seconds on the clock. Quarterback Matt Flynn hit Demetrius Byrd at the back corner of the end zone for a diving, 22-yard catch, and when it was all over, LSU led 30-24 and only a second remained on the clock.

LSU went on to win an improbable national championship despite having two losses, cementing Miles' reputation as a charmed coach.

"With one second, I think we timed it out perfectly," Miles said with a laugh after the game. "I was ready to call a timeout, just as ready as I needed to be."

The 2007 game was just one of several memorable moments in the series. Twelve of the last 21 meetings have been decided by less than a touchdown.

In last year's game, both teams were highly ranked and had yet to embark on their later-season meltdowns. No. 6 LSU came from behind to beat No. 10 Auburn 26-21, scoring the go-ahead touchdown on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Jarrett Lee to Brandon LaFell with just 63 seconds left.

In 2006, Auburn safety Eric Brock made a touchdown-saving tackle just in front of the end zone on the final play to preserve a 7-3 victory.

In 2005, Auburn kicker John Vaughn missed five field goals, including potential winning and tying kicks, in a 20-17 loss.

In 2004, just days after Hurricane Ivan hit the Gulf Coast, Auburn edged LSU 10-9 to set the stage for its SEC title run and perfect season.

Even in years when the teams were struggling, the games still managed to contain a flair for the dramatic.

"They always play us tough and we play them tough, no matter what the record is or where either team is ranked," said Auburn senior running back Ben Tate.

In Tommy Tuberville's first year at Auburn in 1999, the Tigers beat LSU 41-7. Fulfilling a promise to his players, Tuberville handed out and puffed on victory cigars after the game. He was reprimanded by the NCAA and players were forced to go to a tobacco education class.

Two years later, Auburn players stomped on the LSU logo at midfield, drawing a 15-yard penalty. Later, kicker Damon Duval ran into a tuba player in the LSU marching band during halftime, nearly touching off a scrum.

The atmosphere in Baton Rouge is notorious on the SEC circuit. Fans are loud and sometimes surly.

"I've heard it's a wild atmosphere, pretty crazy," said Auburn senior quarterback Chris Todd, who will be making his first trip to Tiger Stadium. "I've heard the fans are pretty wild there. I had some communication with them last year, playing here actually. I know that will be magnified. I think it will be a great atmosphere to play in. I think it's a big game for us and it will be fun to play in."

Auburn's trip to LSU on Saturday has a lot of history to live up to.

"It's one of the best (atmospheres) in college football," said Auburn coach Gene Chizik. "It's eventful, I'll say that."